Safety Guidelines
Ensuring your team's safety is our top priority. Follow these guidelines when using Trenchmate products to maintain a safe work environment.
Our Commitment to Safety
At Trenchmate, safety isn’t just a feature of our products—it’s the foundation of everything we do. Our shoring solutions are engineered to provide maximum protection for workers in trenching and excavation environments, which are among the most hazardous in construction.
These guidelines are designed to help you implement best practices when using our products. They complement but do not replace proper training, site-specific safety plans, and compliance with all applicable regulations.
ConstructSafe NZ Compliance
All Trenchmate products meet or exceed ConstructSafe requirements for excavation safety
ISO 9001 Certified
Our manufacturing processes follow strict quality management standards
Site Safe Partnership
Proud partners with Site Safe NZ to promote construction safety excellence
Essential Safety Guidelines
Personal Protective Equipment
- •Always wear an approved hard hat when working in or around trenches
- •Use high-visibility clothing to ensure you can be seen by equipment operators
- •Wear steel-toed safety boots to protect against falling objects
- •Use gloves when handling trench shields and equipment
- •Wear eye protection when necessary, especially during installation
Pre-Installation Planning
- •Conduct soil analysis to determine appropriate shoring requirements
- •Identify and mark all underground utilities before excavation
- •Create a detailed installation plan following Trenchmate specifications
- •Ensure all workers are briefed on the installation procedure
- •Verify that equipment is appropriate for the job size and soil conditions
Excavation Safety
- •Never enter an unprotected trench deeper than 1.5 meters
- •Ensure excavated material is placed at least 600mm from the edge of the trench
- •Provide safe access and egress within 7.5 meters of workers in a trench
- •Monitor for signs of instability or water accumulation
- •Test for hazardous atmospheres before workers enter deep trenches
Shield Installation
- •Follow Trenchmate installation guides specific to your shield configuration
- •Never modify shields or components without manufacturer approval
- •Ensure shields are installed before workers enter the excavation
- •Verify that shields extend at least 300mm above the surrounding area to prevent materials falling in
- •Check that all connections are secure before use
Hazard Awareness
- •Conduct daily inspections of trenches and protective systems
- •Be alert for changing conditions such as rain or vibration that may affect stability
- •Never work under suspended loads during shield installation
- •Maintain awareness of equipment operating near trenches
- •Implement a communication system between workers in the trench and those above
Transport & Handling
- •Use appropriate lifting equipment rated for the shield weight
- •Follow proper rigging procedures when moving shields
- •Secure all components during transport to prevent shifting
- •Clear the area of personnel during shield placement
- •Use tag lines to control shield movement during installation
Emergency Response
Trench Collapse
If a trench collapses or shows signs of imminent failure:
- • Evacuate all personnel immediately
- • Account for all workers
- • Call emergency services
- • Do not attempt rescue without proper equipment
- • Secure the area to prevent further entry
Daily Inspection
Before each work day, inspect:
- • Shield integrity and connections
- • Soil conditions around the trench
- • Water accumulation
- • Adjacent structures and activities
- • Access and egress points
Documentation
Maintain these records on site:
- • Daily inspection logs
- • Trenchmate installation guides
- • Emergency contact information
- • Site-specific safety plan
- • Worker training certifications
Training & Competency
Proper training is essential for safe trenching operations. Ensure all personnel working with Trenchmate products have received appropriate training on:
- Competent Person Training - At least one competent person must be on site to identify hazards and authorize immediate corrective measures
- Equipment-Specific Training - Workers must understand the proper use, installation, and limitations of Trenchmate products
- Hazard Recognition - All workers should be trained to recognize warning signs of potential trench failure or other hazards
Need Additional Safety Support?
Our team of safety experts is available to provide guidance, conduct site assessments, and help you implement best practices for your specific project requirements.